A former Alberta deputy premier, Thomas Lukaszuk, has garnered overwhelming support for his petition advocating for the province to remain part of Canada. Lukaszuk announced that his petition has amassed over 456,000 signatures, surpassing the required threshold of 294,000 for a potential referendum. Standing before 61 boxes filled with signed petitions, Lukaszuk emphasized that the significant number of signatures reflects Albertans’ strong stance against separatism.

During a press conference, Lukaszuk urged Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta MLAs to address the issue and quash any separatist sentiments once and for all. The petition, titled “Forever Canadian,” was launched in response to separatist movements seeking a referendum on Alberta’s independence. It simply asks, “Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?”

While the government has not confirmed plans for a referendum, Alberta’s justice minister’s press secretary, Heather Jenkins, mentioned that they are awaiting the verification process by Elections Alberta. Lukaszuk expressed hope that a referendum would not be necessary, emphasizing that the petition aimed to unify Albertans rather than divide them along political lines.

Traveling extensively across the province in a 33-year-old bus, Lukaszuk and volunteers collected signatures from diverse urban and rural communities. He highlighted the emotional impact of the petition, noting that individuals signed it for deeply personal reasons, reaffirming their strong attachment to Canadian identity.

Elections Alberta confirmed receipt of the signatures and outlined their verification process, which includes confirming the authenticity of signatures and canvasser witnessing. Lukaszuk praised the engagement of Albertans in the petition, calling it a historic moment in Canadian democracy. As the verification process unfolds, Lukaszuk expressed his eagerness to return to his routine life, grateful for the overwhelming support received.